Home Alone

If you own a dog, you're one of at least 63 million people in the United States alone who share their lives with canines. However; most of these owners are usually away during the day, leaving the family dog home alone.

Dogs are not naturally solitary animals, so when they are left alone, they may exhibit annoying or destructive behavior such as chewing, digging, or excessive barking. If your dog behaves this way when you leave the house, it has separation anxiety.

What can you do?

• Don't punish your dog. Animals associate punishment with what they are doing the instant it is administered. Your dog will not understand that you are mad about actions earlier in the day.
• Change your behaviors or routine. To get your dog accustomed to your leaving, pick up your keys and walk toward the door; but don't leave the house. Do this several times until your dog no longer exhibits anxious behavior.
• Leave the house for a few minutes at a time. Gradually increase these planned absences so that your dog never has a chance to show any separation anxiety.
• When you return, greet your dog briefly (don't gush) and return to normal activities. This training may take some time, but it's a worthwhile effort.
• Give your dog something to do while you're away. For example, stuff a "Kong" toy with biscuits and peanut butter for an interactive treat. Many dogs will work tirelessly to empty the toy and not even notice that you've left for the day.

*This article was reprinted with permission from the American Humane Association.